Pentahelix Lunch: Rupiah Weakness and Investment Challenges in Indonesia
The forum, which brought together representatives from the government, academia, the business sector, the legislature, and the media, featured the Chairman of the Bandung City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Asep Mulyadi; the Head of the West Java Industry and Trade Office, Nining Yuliastiani; academic Prof. Cecep Darmawan; entrepreneur Perry Tristianto; and RMOL Special Editor Saeful Zaman as the discussion initiator.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, who also serves as the Deputy Head of BKPM, Todotua Pasaribu, delivered his views via video due to his inability to attend in person.
In his address, Todotuna emphasised that economic success should not be measured solely by growth figures, but by the benefits felt by the community through job creation, business opportunities, and improved welfare.
“Indonesia’s economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 reached 5.61 per cent, with investment realisation amounting to Rp98 trillion, which was able to absorb approximately 76,000 workers,” said Todotua.
According to him, collaboration across all pentahelix elements is key to ensuring that economic growth is felt evenly by the public.
The Head of the West Java Industry and Trade Office, Nining Yuliastiani, acknowledged that the weakening of the Rupiah and global economic volatility are putting pressure on domestic food and energy prices. However, she asserted that the local government continues to implement various mitigation steps, ranging from strengthening industrial partnerships and price controls to expanding market access and encouraging the use of domestic raw materials.
“Behind every difficulty, there is always an opportunity. We must utilise this momentum to increase economic independence and strengthen local products,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Bandung City DPRD, Asep Mulyadi, assessed that the economic issues currently faced by the community must be addressed with policies that have a direct impact. He noted that the public does not merely want to see government programmes running, but wants to feel tangible benefits in their daily lives.
“What the public sees is not just whether a programme exists. The question is, is their life becoming better or even more difficult?” said Asep.
He also emphasised the importance of a culture of self-criticism and leadership by example in building public trust. “If one is to be a public servant, one must be prepared to sacrifice and provide a good example to the community,” he asserted.
Additionally, Prof. Cecep Darmawan highlighted the importance of policy alignment towards the lower-middle class, who are most affected by economic pressures. He warned that the results of development should not only be enjoyed by certain groups.
“We must ensure that the national cake is not enjoyed by only a handful of people. This issue of inequality must become a serious concern for all stakeholders,” he concluded.